How to unlock bootloader on Samsung Galaxy Phones

3 years ago Lucas Noah
How to unlock bootloader on Samsung Galaxy Phones

How to unlock bootloader on Samsung Galaxy Phones

The Android OS, which is built on the Linux Foundation, is extremely adaptable and simple to use for any user or developer. When the Samsung Galaxy smartphone is turned on, the bootloader operates just like it does on other devices. It chooses between loading the recovery and loading Android OS. It contains the boot file, kernel, and system framework, allowing your device to boot more smoothly and quickly every time. In this post, we’ll go through how to unlock the bootloader on Samsung Galaxy phones using a few different techniques.

If you’re tired of the stock UI or recovery and want to try a fresh custom recovery, flash a custom firmware, or root your phone, the first step is to unlock the device bootloader. You can’t move on to the next steps without first unlocking the bootloader. Due to device security and privacy concerns, smartphone OEMs do not supply an unlocked device bootloader. However, if you’re a power user or a developer, you may unlock it as needed. Please be aware that unlocking the device bootloader may result in the device’s warranty being voided (if applicable).

What exactly is a bootloader?

A device bootloader is a code or program that starts when the device is turned on and allows us to select and execute the operating system every time we turn it on. It simply instructs the operating system and kernel to enter recovery mode or start the boot process. It’s also worth noting that the device bootloader may be located on any device or gadget that runs an operating system, such as smartphones, tablets, or PCs.

The device bootloader may be easily unlocked because of Android’s open-source nature. You’ll be able to flash any third-party Custom ROM, Root, Mod files, Custom Recovery, and more after unlocking it. This will allow you to easily customize your Android smartphone. You may also lock the bootloader in the same way.

What does it mean to unlock the bootloader?

A bootloader on an Android device is frequently protected for system security or privacy reasons. Because the Android OS is an open-source platform that anyone can modify, smartphone manufacturers prefer to use their own skins and OS versions that are specifically created and built for their own device models. That’s why most OEMs don’t include an unlocked bootloader with their devices out of the box.

Unlocking the bootloader on an Android smartphone gives users access to the device’s limitless customization and feature options. It’s also worth noting that the standard firmware is restricted in terms of modifications, so users won’t be able to go too far with it. Users may rapidly flash modified firmware, custom recovery files, install root access, third-party modules, and more after unlocking the device bootloader. If you’ve made the decision to flash modified files, you’ll need to unlock the bootloader.

Benefits of Bootloader Unlocking

  • Custom ROMs can be flashed
  • Configure a Custom Recovery (TWRP)
  • Activate root access (SuperSU or Magisk)
  • Some OEMs already have a technique or tool for unlocking the bootloader.

The Drawbacks of Unlocking the Bootloader

  • Your device warranty may be invalidated if you unlock the bootloader.
  • It’s possible that your gadget won’t operate in the same way.
  • Unlocking the bootloader incorrectly might cause a boot loop or destroy your device.
  • Handset privacy and security features might be jeopardized.
  • The method of bootloader unlocking will fully erase all device data.

Pre-Requirements:

Disclaimer:

The technique of unlocking bootloaders may void your Samsung Galaxy device’s warranty. GetDroidTips will not be held liable for any damage or errors that occur to your phone as a result of following this advice. As we said in the safety standards, make sure you have a complete backup.

Update Information:

On September 23, 2020, the following information was updated: This instruction also works with the new Galaxy Note 20 and S20 series, which also run Android 10.

On February 28, 2020, the following information was updated: A new way to unlock the bootloader has been provided for smartphones that come out of the box with Android 9.0 Pie. This approach is compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S10, Note 10, M, and A series.

Steps to Unlock the Bootloader on a Samsung Device (New Method)

This solution only works on Android 9.0 Pie or above smartphones that came out of the box.

  1. To begin, enable Developer Mode.
developer option samsung
  1. Start the Settings program.
  2. Scroll down and select Developer Options from the drop-down menu.
  3. Turn the OEM Unlock switch on.
assaassaas
  1. Tap the enable option to confirm.
confirm oem unlock samsung
  1. Turn your device off. To enter download mode, press Bixby + Volume Down and connect your smartphone to a PC.
  2. To unlock the bootloader, hold down the volume up button for a long time. This will erase all of your data and restart your computer.
  1. Surprisingly, just when you believe the bootloader has been unlocked, it hasn’t been! Samsung introduced VaultKeeper to the system, which means that any unapproved partitions will be rejected by the bootloader unless VaultKeeper specifically approves them.
    1. Go over the basics of the setup. Because data will be deleted again later when we install Magisk, skip all of the stages. However, during setup, connect the gadget to the internet!
    2. Enable developer settings and double-check that the OEM unlocking option is grayed out and enabled! After confirming that the user has the OEM unlocking option enabled, the VaultKeeper service will unlock the bootloader. This step ensures that the service receives the proper information and that our gadget is in good working order.
    3. In download mode, your bootloader now allows unauthorized images, indicating that the bootloader has been unlocked:D. Continue reading to learn more about this topic.
  1. That concludes our discussion. Your device’s bootloader has been unlocked.

Method 1: Unlocking the Bootloader on Samsung Galaxy Phones Without a Computer (Recommended)

Read More: How to back up everything on Android

It’s simple to unlock the device bootloader or activate OEM Unlock if your Samsung Galaxy phone is powered by MediaTek chipsets, Qualcomm or Exynos processors in Asia, Europe, or China.

  • First, on your Galaxy mobile, activate the Developer settings.
  • Navigate to your phone’s Settings menu.
  • Scroll all the way to the bottom of the screen and tap on the About Phone section > repeatedly tap on Build Number.
  • Return to the main Settings menu and scroll down a bit farther.
  • Turn on the toggle OEM Unlock under the Developer settings.
  • You’ve completed the task. Enjoy!

Method 2: Using a Computer to Unlock the Bootloader on Samsung Galaxy Phones (ADB & Fastboot)

The device maker may not always make it simple to unlock the bootloader. You may need to receive authorisation and the code from your manufacturer at first. If you do acquire the code, however, follow the procedures below:

  • On your phone, enable Developer options and OEM Unlock first. Method 1 has already been mentioned.
  • To connect with your PC, you must first activate USB Debugging and Developer settings.
  • After downloading and unpacking the Download ADB & Fastboot zip file, install it on your Windows PC.
  • Use a USB cable to connect your phone to your computer.
  • Switch off your phone and enter fastboot mode after the device is connected.
  • Now, navigate to your PC’s ADB & Fastboot folder and click Shift + Right Mouse. To launch the Windows command prompt, click on a blank spot.
  • In CMD, type the following command:

adb devices

  • You may see a pop-up asking you to enable USB Debugging on your phone. Simply press the OK button.
  • Hit enter after typing the following command:

adb reboot bootloader

  • Now that your phone has rebooted into bootloader mode, check to see if the locked bootloader is visible. If you answered yes, type and hit enter the following command:

fastboot devices

  • On the ADB & Fastboot screen, your device’s fastboot number will show. That implies you’re all set to go. If not, repeat the procedure properly.
  • Once your phone identified, proceed to the following command:

fastboot oem unlock

  • You’ve completed the task. Type the following command and press the enter key to reboot your device into the main system:

fastboot reboot

  • Finally, the system will reset your phone. Wait for the entire boot procedure to complete.
  • Enjoy!

We anticipate that this instruction will be quite beneficial to you, and that you will have successfully unlocked the Samsung Galaxy device bootloader. If you have any questions, please post them in the comments section below.

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